A/N: I do solemnly swear that I will finish this chappie TONIGHT. Yes, folks, you get a new chapter as a Valentine's Day present. And this one will, hopefully, have more romance between at least ONE of the couples. I have no idea how this chapter will work out. I started it like… a week ago. And then I hit a wall. I think I'll just let it write itself. What will happen? Will James and Lily snog themselves senseless? Will Sirius and Arabella finally get together? Who knows……

Oops! One little note. The endearment "Ma Belle" that Sirius uses was stolen from Bella Black, who in my opinion is one of the best L/J, S/A authors I have ever read. Bella, if you're reading this, please don't be mad at me. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Two hours later Lily, who was sick and tired of using Floo Powder, flew back home on a broom she had borrowed from James. Correction, a brand new broom that James had given her. "Come on, Lily," he had told her, "I have way too many brooms for my own good. Plus, your old one was outdated." When she had continued to protest, he had shoved the broom into her arms and turned to go, "Keep it. It's a gift." Lily had nodded her thanks, wondering why she found herself unable to speak.

The sound of footsteps jostled her out of her reminiscing. "Lily? Back so soon!" Arabella said, "Did you and lover boy have a fight or something?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "No Bella. We made a date, actually."

Arabella crowed in delight, "I knew it. I just knew it. So when is it?"

"In exactly two hours."

"Lillian Marie Evans! You mean you only have two hours to doll yourself up before you go meet James Potter somewhere so he can snog you senseless?"

"Correction, Bella. I only have two hours before James and I go out to eat at a nice restaurant. And did I mention that you're coming too?"

"Oh no, Lily. I am not playing third wheel."

"You won't be. It's a double date."

"Oh yeah? So who's the fourth person?" Arabella's head snapped up. "No. Don't tell me. Anybody but him."

"Bella! He's James' best friend. And he really isn't that bad. Just give him a chance."

"No, Lily. I am not going. Sorry. No dice."

Lily sighed in exasperation, then smiled as inspiration hit her. "Bella, I… I need some moral support. I mean-" Lord, forgive me for lying. "I really like James." But is that a lie? Yes it is now shu- IS IT?- shut up! "And I'm… scared. Yeah that's it. First date jitters."

Arabella looked skeptical. "You've never had 'em before. Besides, what good would I do?" Seeing Lily's pleading look, she gave in. "Oh alright. I'll go. Ya happy?"

"Very!" Lily said, throwing her arms around Arabella.

"Ok, ok. Now let's get ready!" Giggling madly, they each ran into their bedrooms and began scouring their closets.

***************

Meanwhile, James was busy convincing Sirius. "Si, I promise she'll be nice to you. Just come."

Sirius, who had an uncanny ability to turn any situation into a teasing session, protested, "But Jamsie, I just don't understand why you want spectators during your snog session with Lily."

"Sirius! For the thousandth time, I am not going to snog Lily!"

"But you admit that you'd like to?"

"Yes, but that's not the- Tell me I didn't just say that."

Grinning madly, Sirius ducked underneath the fist that came swinging towards his head. "Oh but you did, Jamsie, and Uncle Sirius isn't gonna forget it anytime soon."

"You're just jealous cause Arabella would rather smack you than snog you."

"That was low, James. I'm hurt."

"Truth hurts. What can I say? So will you come?"

"Fine," Sirius said, with an exaggerated sigh, "If you insist. Now let's get you dressed."

"Yes Mother." This time, James ducked as he ran upstairs, chuckling.

***************

"Bella, does this dress look okay?" Lily stood in the hallway, wearing a pastel green sheath dress. The soft, shimmery fabric fell just below her knees, and the neck was square cut. The sleeveless dress showed off her curves, and complimented her creamy skin tone.

"Smashing, Lils. If his jaw doesn't hit the floor, I will pronounce him legally blind. Now how does mine look?" Arabella asked, twirling for Lily. She wore a charcoal grey, knit dress that clung slightly to her figure and brought out the blue of her eyes.

"You look great, Bella. We better hurry with our hair and make up. The guys will be here in 30 minutes." Squealing, Arabella ran back to her room and Lily smiled as she walked to her bathroom counter.

*****************

James ran downstairs, grabbing a nice, navy blue jacket on the way down. "Sirius!" he called, "Hurry up or we're gonna be late."

"Fashionably late, you mean?" Sirius yelled down the stairs.

"No, I mean so-late-that-Arabella-will-be-even-more-pissed-at-you-than-usual late," James said, as he hunted for the keys to his sleek, black BMW. (A/N: I know they're wizards, but they're going to a muggle restaurant. They've got to look normal. Besides, pictures James driving a black convertible BMW with the top down and the wind blowing in his hair.)

"Point taken. I'm coming," Sirius said. Moments later, he joined James at the door, adjusting his corduroy jacket. "Looking good, Jamsie boy," he said, taking in James' baby blue shirt and khakis. "So, are you nervous about your first date with a certain gorgeous red head."

"Don't call her gorgeous," James replied automatically.

"And why not, Prongsie? Jealous?"

"Ye- No, because you wouldn't want Arabella to hear you say that, would you?"

"Well no, but you're still jealous."

In response, James yanked the car door open and sat down. "Just shut up, Padfoot. And for once in your life, try to be polite tonight."

"Worried about me ruining your snog session with the little lady?" James glared at him. "Fine, fine. Shutting up."

"Finally." The rest of the ride went by in silence as James attempted to suppress the butterflies that were fluttering around inside his stomach, and Sirius was busy planning how best to hit on Arabella.

**************

"Bella, would you mind getting the door for me? I've gotta find my shoes."

"No prob, Lils," Arabella said, reaching behind her to open the door. She turned around and her mouth dropped.

"Good evening, Ma Belle," Sirius said charmingly, holding out a single red rose.

"G-good evening, Sirius," Arabella said, taking the rose, "Um… thanks."

"Anytime. And may I add that you look especially stunning tonight?" Sirius said, stepping inside.

"Where's James?" Arabella asked, trying to understand why she couldn't think of a good reason to forbid him from complimenting her. Maybe cause you like it?

As if in answer to her question, James appeared behind Sirius, looking slightly nervous. "Hello Arabella. I see Lily managed to persuade you to come."

"Yes, I did," Lily said as she snatched her purse from the counter. "Let it be a warning to both of you gentlemen, in case you ever get the urge to argue with me."

Sirius, noticing that James was currently too busy staring at Lily to reply, answered, "Now I don't know about that. I can be quite persuasive myself, Miss Evans."

Arabella snorted, "That's a matter of opinion."

"But, Ma Belle! You have yet to see how very convincing I can be," Sirius replied, snaking an arm around Arabella's waist. "Well ladies, shall we be off?"

"As long as you remove your arm, we shall."

"I don't think so, it's quite comfortable where it is," Sirius said, pulling her down the walk, to the car.

Swallowing hard, James managed a smile and asked gallantly, "Shall we?"

"Yes, good sir, we shall," Lily responded, taking the arm he offered to her.

Reaching the car, James opened the passenger side door for Lily before sitting in the driver's seat. "I guess this leaves the backseat for us, Bella," Sirius said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Fine. Just don't get any ideas," Arabella replied, yanking the door open. She gasped as Sirius' hand covered hers gently. "I believe that's my job, milady," he said and opened the door for her. Hard as she tried to think of a response, all Arabella could manage was a snort.

"Bella, you sound like a pig," Lily teased.

"But a very beautiful pig," Sirius added.

"Whatever," Arabella said, rolling her eyes.

Sirius continued, "And I am a very handsome man."

"Which you seem to know all too well."

"As do you, Ma Belle."

"And your point is?"

"Ha! So you admit that you think I'm hot!"

"I did not!"

"Ah, but you did, Belle o' mine."

"Stop calling me names!"

"Actually, Bella-boo, they're called endearments."

"Bella-boo?" James asked disbelievingly, "Sirius, I think you're losing your touch."

"Or perhaps he's losing his heart?" Lily said softly to James, who nodded his assent. Before another argument could start in the back seat, he turned on the radio. The music seemed to calm Sirius, and he was silent for the next few minutes. "Music tames the savage beast," Lily muttered.

"Right you are, Lils," James said, chuckling.

"What's so funny?" Sirius asked, perking up.

"Your face," Arabella quipped.

"So that's what you've been staring at."

Arabella opened her mouth to retort, but nothing came out. "He got you there, Bella," Lily said, laughing. Arabella growled at her. "Really, Bella. First you act like a pig, now you've become a dog. What will you become next?"

"Madly in love with me, that's what," Sirius said, batting his eyelashes at Arabella, who glared at him in response.

"Don't get your hopes up, Si," James warned him, "I don't think she's quite reached that stage yet."

"Potter, have you yet to realize that you have no idea what you're talking about?"

"Bella, why won't you just admit that you want Sirius?" Lily asked, not stopping to notice that she had jumped to James' defense.

"The same reason you still deny that you like James," Arabella retorted, then clapped a hand over her mouth, "Sorry, Lils. I didn't mean to tell."

"You have all the luck, Jamsie," Sirius pouted. James blushed furiously.

"Wait a minute! I never said that-" Lily gave up, realizing that her protests would only serve to convince Arabella and Sirius. Or maybe because it's the truth?

"Actions speak louder than words, Lils," Sirius said, "Besides, when Prongsie regains his powers of speech, I'm sure he'll have a similar declaration to make."

James focused hard on the road, pretending he hadn't heard Sirius. Arabella turned to smile triumphantly at Sirius, who winked in response and leaned over to whisper, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Lily and James? Adorable!"

"Exactly. We have work to do tonight, Ma Belle."

"You've got yourself a deal, Black," Arabella agreed. Oh my God. Did I just have a civil conversation with Sirius Black?

Siri, old man, you did it. She actually spoke civilly to you for more than 30 seconds. Pretty soon, you'll have her. Sirius smiled to himself. Meanwhile, Lily and James were completely oblivious to the fact that they were being plotted against. They

were each very busy trying not to meet each other's eyes, while attempting to study each other to gauge the other's reaction to this new discovery.

Fortunately, they reached the restaurant in the next minute. Only when they were inside, seated at their table, did James relax and take a moment to ponder this new development. She likes me! She likes me! She likes me! Yes, you've established that fact now what are you going to do about it? Kiss her senseless? Not a bad idea. But not with Sirius watching. I'd never hear the end of it.

During dinner, Arabella and Sirius struggled to keep the conversation going. They had called a temporary truce in their endeavor to set up their best friends. However, no matter how hard they tried, James and Lily barely spoke, much less to each other. James was pretended to be very occupied with his pasta, and Lily was lost in thought. Oh God, Arabella and her big mouth. My chances with James are now officially ruined. He's not even talking to me. So you admit that you wanted a chance? Gah! Yes.

Half an hour later, the conspirators finally gave up trying to draw James and Lily into conversation. An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. Then Sirius, who was incapable of being quiet for long, spoke up, "Well, Prongs, since we're about finished, why don't you bring the car around? I'll take care of the bill." James nodded, glad for an escape.

"Oh, Lils, would you mind getting my purse for me? I think I left it in the car, and I need my mirror."

"Why can't you get it yourself, Bella?"

"Lily, honestly. Someone has to stay behind and make sure that Sirius actually pays the bill."

"Oh all right. I'm going," Lily relented, following James out the door. Outside, she shivered in the crisp, cool night air. James silently took off his jacket and draped it across her shoulders. Lily looked up at him curiously, "Thanks."

"No problem," James said. When they reached the car, he unlocked it and reached for the door handle. At the same time, Lily grabbed it to open the door and retrieve Arabella's purse. As their hands touched, a jolt of electricity ran up her arm. Before she could snatch it back, James laced his fingers through hers and reached around to grab her other hand. Lily turned to face him, ignoring the way her pulse raced when he touched her. "Lily, I….." James began, "I, um."

"Yes?" Lily prompted, unconsciously leaning forward.

Unable to resist the enticing picture she made, James closed the gap between them and covered her lips with his. A million sensations flashed through his mind as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss. He was afraid she would resist and try to pull away. He knew he would let her go if she did. To his delight, she melted into him. Her lips parted, offering his tongue access to her mouth. He had kissed several women before, but nothing had ever felt like this. Lily was made to be held in his arms. Her lips fit perfectly onto his. He pulled her closer, unable to get enough of her.

As she leaned against him, Lily was shaken by the passion racing through her. She reached up to lace her hands through his hair as their tongues danced together, battling for control. She was lost in the myriad of emotions that coursed through her as they kissed. This was right. She could stay in his arms forever.

James' hands began to wander over her curves as he turned and pressed her against the car door. Lily made no protest, only pulled him closer, her hands tracing the line of his jaw. He ran his hands down her back, across her hips, to her chest. A small moan of pleasure escaped her lips, bringing him crashing down to earth again. He jerked his head up, and turned away, unable to meet her eyes. "I'm sorry, Lily. I didn't mean to… I wasn't trying- I mean, I just-"

He fell silent as Lily placed a finger over his lips. "James, it's OK. I know you just got carried away. I could never imagine you taking advantage of me."

James blushed, staring into her eyes as a familiar voice broke their trance. "Well, well, well. What have we here?" Sirius gloated. "Prongsie, I thought you told me you weren't going to snog Lily tonight."

James rolled his eyes, and whispered to Lily, "He always had rotten timing." Then he turned to face a very smug Sirius, keeping one arm around Lily's waist. "Sirius, we weren't snogging. It was just a kiss."

"Whatever you say, Jamsie," Sirius said loftily. "Now would you rather have me drive us home so that you and Lily can continue your sn- kiss?"

"Despite what you may think, Sirius, I have no suicidal tendencies," James said, opening the door for Lily, then sliding into the driver's seat. Sirius and Arabella took their seats in the back, and James pulled out of the parking lot, onto the highway. Once they were on the road, his free hand wandered over to find Lily's. She flashed him a smile and laced her fingers through his. The ride home was relatively quiet, since James and Lily were busy remembering the most shocking kiss of their lives.

Ten minutes later, James pulled up in front of Lily and Arabella's flat. Sirius and Arabella wisely stayed behind as James walked Lily to the door. "Well… goodnight," Lily said softly as James reached for her other hand.

"Thank you, Lily. I had a great time," James said, leaning down to kiss her gently on the lips.

"So did I," Lily whispered, and squeezed his hand.

"See you tomorrow?"

"Most definitely," Lily replied. Reluctantly, she let go of his hand and unlocked the door. As she walked inside, she looked back to smile at him. James grinned back at her, "Goodnight, Lils."

On his way back to the car, he passed Sirius and Arabella, who had grown tired of waiting in the car and began walking to the door. When they reached the door, Sirius said, "It seems our plan has succeeded, Miss Figg."

"That it has, Mr. Black," Arabella agreed, only then did she look down and notice that Sirius was holding her hand. As she raised her eyes to meet his gaze, Sirius leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. "Sweet dreams, Ma Belle," he said and, turning around, he walked back to the car.

Arabella stood motionless on the steps, watching him go. When he and James drove off, she raised a trembling hand to her lips and whispered, "Good night, Sirius."

***********************************************************************

A/N: Man, that was the longest chapter I've ever written. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!